Long known for its Silk Road heritage, Uzbekistan is now attracting travellers in winter with alpine skiing, mountain day trips and quiet nature retreats just beyond the capital.
For decades, Uzbekistan has best been known internationally for Samarkand’s mosaics, Bukhara’s madrasas and Khiva’s fortress walls. But in winter, the country reveals another side, shaped by snow-covered peaks, alpine resorts, outdoor adventure and seasonal experiences that are reshaping tourism.
“Before coming, I had heard about Uzbekistan, but I never imagined how beautiful it truly was,” says Wee Yun Nee, a content creator from Malaysia, visiting the country for the first time. After exploring Tashkent and Samarkand, she travelled east of the capital to Amirsoy Ski Resort. “The skiing experience here is wonderful. The mountain views are breathtaking. Uzbekistan’s winter exceeded all my expectations.”
Her impression reflects a broader trend. As temperatures drop, Uzbekistan’s mountains become hubs of activity, while cities and rural areas develop winter attractions appealing to both international visitors and local families.
Amirsoy: a new face of Uzbek tourism
Just a short drive from Tashkent, the Chimgan mountain range rises sharply, transforming into a winter playground. Here, Amirsoy Ski Resort has become the flagship of Uzbekistan’s growing winter tourism sector.
Standing at the resort’s highest point, 2,290 metres above sea level, Amirsoy’s General Director Rustamjon Raimjonov describes its rapid rise: “Previously, Uzbekistan was known mainly for Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Today, the country is gaining recognition for its new ski resort as well.”
The figures underline this shift. In 2024, Amirsoy welcomed 700,000 visitors. In 2025, that number exceeded 800,000, with more than 20 per cent arriving from abroad. “Most of our foreign visitors come from Europe – Germany, France and Switzerland as well as the United States and neighbouring countries,” Raimjonov says.
The resort offers more than 11 ski runs across 16 kilometres, served by modern Austrian Doppelmayr lift systems. Daily capacity now exceeds 15,000 visitors, while new infrastructure continues to expand, including a hotel with more than 100 rooms built to European standards.
Even competition from established ski destinations has not slowed demand. “Kazakhstan has its own resorts,” Raimjonov notes, “but our snow is softer and has a unique quality. That’s why visitors enjoy skiing here.”
Learning the slopes
For many local visitors, skiing is still a new experience. Andrey Yusupov, a tourist from Tashkent, first tried skiing last year. “At first it was scary. Any sports injury feels dangerous,” he admits. “But once you try it, you do not want to stop.”
He now returns regularly with his wife. “You can see how many people come here. Everyone likes it. Uzbekistan is developing alpine skiing very quickly and attracting tourists, even from countries that already have mountains.”
Instructors are seeing rising demand. Sayfutdin Musaev has been skiing since childhood and now teaches beginners. “The flow of tourists and skiers has increased dramatically. Every year there are more people, including many foreigners,” he says. “Children learn especially fast. Once they overcome fear, everything becomes easier.”
Safety in the high season
As international arrivals increase, support services are expanding. Tourist police in the Bostanlyk district handle requests ranging from direction to lost belongings.
“Most of our inquiries come from foreign tourists,” explains Nodir Ismanov, Head of Safe Tourism in the district. “We assess each situation and provide immediate assistance. Recently, we helped recover a ring worth 5,000 US dollars lost by visitors from the UAE.”
Such services form part of a broader effort to ensure visitors feel secure exploring Uzbekistan’s winter destinations.
Chimgan: a mountain day out
Not far from Amirsoy, the Chimgan mountains offer a more relaxed winter escape. Reaching to more than 3,300 metres, the area attracts day-trippers carrying sledges, picnic baskets and simple plans to enjoy the snow.
Visitors can choose between an older chairlift or a modern enclosed gondola and enjoy activities ranging from quad biking and snowmobiling to horse riding and tubing tracks. New attractions introduced through international projects are expanding Chimgan’s appeal beyond traditional winter sports.
“You work and relax here at the same time,” says a local operator. “You meet different people every day, and the atmosphere depends on their mood. It’s always lively.”
Deer Hills: a quieter winter
For families seeking calm rather than adrenaline, Deer Hills Farm offers a different winter experience. Located about an hour from Tashkent, the reserve began in 2020 with 90 deer imported from Europe. Today, the herd has grown to more than 150.
“People come here with their families to relax and make their children happy,” says farm manager Izzat Vokhidov. “They walk among the deer, feed them, ride horses and enjoy nature.”
Tourists arrive from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Gulf countries. Winter is the most popular season. “Snow, deer and the holiday atmosphere remind people of Christmas. It becomes a memorable family experience,” Vokhidov explains.
Unlike a traditional zoo, Deer Hills allows visitors to move freely among the animals, encouraging closer contact with nature. Expansion plans include hotels, restaurants and new animal enclosures to further develop eco-tourism in the region.
Winter in the capital
Not all winter activities take place in the mountains. In central Tashkent, the Khumo Arena brings ice sports indoors, offering year-round skating regardless of outdoor conditions.
“This is a modern ice arena where hockey players and figure skaters train,” says Sabina Berdikulova, Development Manager at Khumo Arena. “We also have mass skating sessions. Foreigners choose us as well. If tourists come to Tashkent, I definitely recommend visiting.”
A new season of travel
From high-altitude ski runs to quiet nature reserves and urban ice rinks, Uzbekistan’s winter tourism is expanding in both scale and diversity. Once known almost exclusively for its Silk Road heritage, the country is now building a reputation for modern leisure, outdoor adventure and family-friendly escapes.
As Wee Yun Nee reflects at the end of her journey: “Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Samarkand and Amirsoy have given me an experience I will never forget. I will definitely come back.”
For Uzbekistan, winter is no longer the off-season. It is becoming a new invitation to explore.
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